SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3199

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 24, 2024

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3199.

      As amended by the committee, the bill establishes the New Jersey-Haiti Commission in the Department of State.  The commission shall advise the Governor and Legislature on ways to improve economic and cultural links between the State and Haiti and on steps that may be taken to address the economic challenges within the State’s Haitian-American community.

      The commission will have 13 members.  The Secretary of State, will serve as chairperson, and 12 members of the public will be appointed to represent a variety of different professional sectors across the State, including non-profit organizations in serving the Haitian community.  The commission will hold one or more meetings on a quarterly basis.

      The commission may conduct studies, reports, and research projects to further its objectives, and consult with State agencies, the Haitian government, and international and local organizations working on political, economic, and cultural issues related to Haiti.  The commission will make recommendations for policies, legislation, and initiatives related to the economic challenges of the Haitian-American community in the State and identify areas for economic collaboration and partnership between New Jersey and Haiti.  The commission will report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature annually.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to change the membership of the commission.  The membership will consist of 13 members including the Secretary of State, 6 public members appointed directly by the Governor, 2 public members appointed by the Governor at the recommendation of the President of the Senate, 1 public member appointed by the Governor at the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Senate, 2 public members appointed by the Governor at the recommendation of the Speaker of the House, and 1 public member appointed by the Governor at the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the General Assembly.